By Jessica Railey

The Newman Center at Buffalo State College is presenting the Newman Scholars' Forum in an attempt for understanding and tolerance.

The two-year series of open dialogues started with a program titled “What is Faith?” There will be two forums each academic semester. The forums are free of charge and are held at the Newman Center , located at 1219 Elmwood Ave. The forums are a volunteer effort by both the speakers and the Newman Center .

The first forum's speakers included five individuals from various Buffalo universities and places of worship who are active in the community, each representing a different religion. The individuals who spoke at the first forum were:

• Jeanette Ludwig, Ph.D, Buddhism
• Tim Wadkins, Ph.D, Christianity
• Rabbi Benjamin Arnold, Judaism
• Faizan M. Haq, Islam
• Lauren Waukau-Villagomez, Native American

Sister Candice Tucci, a campus minister as well as a member on the forum's executive board, came up with the idea.

“The importance is that there is an open dialogue between the variety of faiths… to come to a greater understanding of each other. A greater tolerance of each other,” Sister Tucci said.

The next forum is titled “Faith and Politics,” scheduled for April 11 th at 7 p.m.

“This is a very prominent topic these days, seeing how it has affected voting in this past election,” Sister Tucci said.

The topics for future semesters are not limited to speakers of specific faiths. Rather, the forums will incorporate various aspects of society with regards to faith in general. Future topics will include faith and:

• war
• gender
• science
• health
• family
• business

“Given the current world situation, we need to at least understand one another,” said the Rev. Patrick Zengierski, director of the Newman Center and also a member of the forum's executive board.

The religions represented in the first forum were chosen because they are “predominant,” Rev. Zengierski said.

“The future forums will be open to all, not just specific religions,” he said.

The Newman Center is the Catholic ministry for the Buffalo State College campus.

“We provide a community, a chance to socialize… and a chance to live out one's faith,” Sister Tucci said.

Jessica Railey can be contacted at: Railjl11@buffalostate.edu

Links: Newman Center

WNY Catholic Ministries

Caption for photo: Faizan Haq, professor at Buffalo State College and UB, representing his faith, at the Newman Scholars' Forum. Courtesy of Jessica Railey

Caption for photo: Faizan Haq, professor at Buffalo State College and UB, representing his faith, at the Newman Scholars' Forum. Courtesy of Jessica Railey